Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

Which situational factor focuses on the extent coworkers contribute to job satisfaction?

1. Authoritarianism

2. Locus of control

3. Work group

4. Ability

The correct answer is: Work group

The correct choice focuses on "work group" as the situational factor that significantly affects job satisfaction through the contributions of coworkers. A work group encompasses the team dynamics, relationships, and interactions among employees in a workplace. When coworkers support one another, engage collaboratively, and foster a positive environment, they can greatly enhance individual job satisfaction. The sense of belonging and the quality of social interactions within a work group are pivotal for creating a fulfilling workplace atmosphere. In contrast, authoritarianism relates to the degree of strict control and hierarchy in management and does not directly measure the influence of coworkers. Locus of control pertains to an individual's belief about controlling events in their lives—whether they attribute outcomes to their own actions or to external factors—and is more about personal perception rather than the environment created by coworkers. Lastly, ability refers to the skills and competencies of individuals, which more directly relate to performance rather than the social support and contributions that coworkers provide for job satisfaction. Thus, the work group is central to understanding how coworker interactions influence job satisfaction.